Jennifer Pittorino
Lorraine Harrison has been named Hobsons Bay Citizen of the Year for 2024, recognising her dedicated community advocacy.
Ms Harrison has held many leadership roles in Hobsons Bay over the years.
She is currently the convener of the West Over-40s Lesbians’ Group, and co-convener of the local branch of ABC Friends.
For more than 10 years, Ms Harrison was president of Friends of Newport Lakes, beginning in 2007, through to 2018.
Still active in the group, Ms Harrison coordinates the monthly working bees, while acting as a strong advocate for survivors of elder abuse.
Ms Harrison was also a Court Network volunteer at the Melbourne Magistrates Court during COVID. This work involved supporting a diverse range of court users using her natural empathy, non-judgemental manner, cultural sensitivity and positivity.
Ms Harrison is also a volunteer with the State Emergency Service, is part of the National Ageing Research Institute’s community advisory group and is a mentor for older women seeking paid work, with the Council On The Ageing, which she said is a great honour.
“Being part of the community is a great passion. I get so much out of meeting people and helping them in any way I can.
“Our community is made up of so many great people who do and achieve wonderful things. I’m proud to be part of it and to receive this recognition for the part I play in it, however big or small.”
Three friends have the honour of sharing the Young Citizen of the Year title for 2024.
Williamstown students Ada Goldenberg, Emmaline Soliman and Emily Vella from St Mary’s Primary School developed an idea for an app that tells people which public litter bin to use for rubbish.
The app encourages users to take a photo of their litter to find out which of the coloured bins it should go in and then receive reward points which can be redeemed through local businesses.
Mayor Matt Tyler said this year’s citizens of the year are great examples of community spirit and caring for the people and spaces around the municipality.
“Lorraine has been a passionate contributor in Hobsons Bay for many years. She has been a wonderful leader, advocate and compassionate volunteer across a number of different spaces,” he said.
“Ada, Emmaline and Emily are a great inspiration for young people across our community.”
